Who am I? (3)

23 October 2018

‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord.’

Ephesians 6:7 NIV

Servers: Servers love to be needed. They’re natural caregivers who’ll try their best to meet people’s needs. They want to be ahead of the game, and be able to meet people’s needs as they arise – or even prevent them arising in the first place. They remember birthdays and anniversaries, and they’re often first to get up from the table and wash the dishes. Servers often work in social settings where they support other people. They’re most comfortable when they have something to do. Serving others follows the example Jesus set out for us when He washed the disciples’ feet. He said: ‘Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14 NIV). But servers can take their serving too far. They can become burnt out trying to do everything for others, because they don’t focus on their own needs and look after their own physical and spiritual health. And the reason for their serving can actually be quite selfish, even though they are outwardly doing a selfless thing. Underneath their servant-hood is sometimes low self-esteem. They want people to recognise and appreciate the effort they’re going to, and when that doesn’t come they can become resentful of the people they’re serving. And they often won’t let people help them, even when they complain about how much they’re doing. If we’re servers, we need to make sure our first priority is serving God, not people. The Bible says: ‘Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.’ And we also need to avoid complaining. ‘Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault’ (Philippians 2:14-15 NIV).

What Now?

If you’re a server, memorise Ephesians 6:7 and repeat it to yourself when you’re feeling resentful about serving. If you’re not, pray for those who are. Ask God to help them break free from their pattern sins.